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Month: September 2017

Hiring a home inspector can be difficult. With so many companies to choose from, consumers can easily make the wrong decision and hire a inspector that is not experienced enough to look beyond the glaring problems, and search for the hidden issues within a structure. It’s best to employ a company with experience and an understanding of the intricacies involved with home building and construction.

The Importance of Construction Experience

It’s not enough to simply inspect a residential property and highlight the obvious code violations. Inspectors need to have a background in construction to accurately identify potential foundation issues, mechanical hazards, and other serious structural deficiencies. These deficiencies could lead to a number of costs that could dramatically increase the overall price of the home.

Attic Inspections

Some common areas that inexperienced inspectors often neglect to investigate thoroughly include the attic, roof, and room additions. An inspector with the right background would know to not only check the attic, crawl space for proper ventilation and insulation, and would also highlight any vulnerability in the joists and sub flooring, in addition to checking the integrity of any vents routed to the space.

Roof Inspections

When inspecting the roof of a residential structure, the condition of the shingles and downspouts should be carefully taken into consideration, as well as a few other items. If the flashing is not properly installed or show signs of damage, water could easily find its way into the structure and cause further deterioration, and increase costs.

Other important items to check on a roof inspection are skylights, gutters, and chimneys. An inspector with construction knowledge and experience installing and maintaining these structures, can perform a meticulous investigation that could uncover installation or manufacturer deficiencies.

Inspection of Built-Ins

Built-in items include oven, ranges, dishwashers and other appliances. Knowledge of local building codes and laws will help to properly inspect the installation of these appliances, including the components used to complete the job. All wiring and plumbing connected to the built-ins should always be inspected, in addition to their overall working condition.

When buying a home, your primary concern should be the outcome of the home inspection. This report will help you determine whether the structure is worth the asking price, or if you’ll need to look elsewhere for your dream home. It’s important to ensure that the inspection company you select has experience in the building and construction industry, and knows how to conduct a thorough property investigation that covers every inch of the home.

Nearly everyone dreams of living in a comfortable place. A house that is beautifully designed and safe is what you want. But you may be wondering as to how you know these things and if the home is holding up as it should as it ages. The solution to the feelings of uncertainty is that you need to have a thorough inspection of the entire structure so that you can make your final decision on buying with more information than the sellers disclosure often gives.

First you need to find a good house inspector. The report of that person on the house can have a big impact on your purchase. To help find the perfect inspector to hire ask for recommendations from friends and family. You can ask if they have hired someone before and that they can recommend to help you with what you need. They can give you an honest answer. Not only that, but you may also get the names or the agencies to avoid.

You can also look over the training and experience with the home inspector. You should check if the inspector was able to get a good education and certification with a national association such as the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (INACHI).

It is also important to know how long the inspector has been an active home inspector. Many inspectors perform home inspections part time and on weekends. Find one who does it full time and have several years of experience.

For more tips on finding a home inspector visit home inspector in Ohio and look for the link for a free video and tips.

If you’re getting ready to sell your home, it’s a good idea to find a home inspector to do a pre-listing home inspection. Once you’ve made that decision, you need to find a good home inspector to help you out. It’s not enough just to find a “good” home inspector, you need to find one that is great. Here are a few suggestions to help you out.

First, finding a great home inspector is similar to finding other reputable real estate professionals. Ask for a referral from your real estate agent and friends. Ask them who they would recommend. Ask friends, relatives, or colleagues who they have used in the past and if they had a good experience.

Next, check out the inspectors that you find online. You can start with the American Society of Home Inspectors (ashi.org). This is a non-profit group that screens home inspectors. To join, an inspector has to pass 2 home inspection exams and would have to have completed at least 50 home inspections. ASHI’s website allows you to enter your zip code to find a qualified inspector in your area.

Make a list of qualified inspectors in your area and the next thing to do is to call them. Call each one of the inspectors to find out how they conduct their inspections, what’s covered, how much they charge, and how long the inspection will take. These things are important.

A thorough inspection of a moderately sized property should take at least two hours. The inspection of the house should cover the complete interior of the house from basement to attic and include the exterior of the house. You want to make sure that you accompany the inspector during this inspection.

Check the credentials of your inspector. Make sure that they are licensed, bonded, and insured. Ask if they are a member of a professional group such as ASHI and ask them how much experience they actually have. Make sure that they are in compliance with all state laws, regulations, and procedures.

Pay attention to the inspector’s phone manner. Is he good on the phone? Is he courteous on the phone or does it seem like he is eager to get you off the phone? If he is rushing you, beware! He might just rush through your inspection.

Also, ask them about their home inspection reports. What kind of report is the inspector going to provide you at the end of the inspection? Does this report include photographs of potential problems? It should!

Last of all, ask the home inspector for at least three references and make sure you call these references. You want to make sure that others have had a good experience. Ask these references if they would use that home inspector again in the future.

Finding a good home inspector is important when you are getting ready to sell your home. But, it’s not that much harder to find a really great one. I hope these tips will help you find a great home inspector and good luck on selling your home!